Engineering Technology Pathways Career Opportunity: CAD Operator
My Story
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-Taylor Fields
CAD/CAM
Description
CAD operators use Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. Working as part of a team, they create detailed technical drawings used to manufacture products or construct buildings. CAD operators combine strong drafting skills with a working knowledge of basic design principles. With experience and additional training, CAD operators can advance to drafting technician or design positions. With appropriate college degrees, they may go on to become engineering technicians, engineers or architects.
Working environment
In most cases, CAD operators work in an office environment. Full-time operators work a standard of 40 hours a week, but they may sometimes work overtime depending on the time of year and number of current projects. They typically work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., although there are opportunities for flexible hours and working from home. The job requires very limited travel, mostly in and around the local area.
Job duties
CAD operators create detailed technical drawings using CAD software. With experience, they may advance to senior drafter, designer or supervisor jobs.
Create basic or repetitive architectural or mechanical drawings and 3D models using CAD software
Work as a team with design and production departments
Modify CAD drawings to reflect design changes
Read and interpret design sketches
Create detailed drawings for use in construction or manufacturing
Design homes and other small buildings using CAD software
Wage range
Average starting hourly wage: $12.00
Median hourly wage: $15.00
Average annual income: $30,000
Employment outlook
Current employment: About statewide average
Employment growth: Somewhat faster than statewide average
Job opening projection: Somewhat larger than statewide average
Links
American Design Drafting Association: International organization representing the drafting and design profession through accreditation and education.
American Institute of Architects: Represents more than 77,000 licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners, emphasizing excellence in design and livability.
Chemeketa Community College: Offers state-of-the-art technical training, with a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree and one-year Certificate of Completion programs.
Autodesk Inc.: The world's leading design software company for manufacturing, infrastructure, building, media and entertainment and wireless data services.
Microstation: CAD platform used by to integrate work on buildings, civil engineering projects, power plants and geospatial information.
Solidworks: Provides 3D CAD tools used in industrial, medical, scientific, consumer, educational, technology and transportation markets.
ESRI-GIS: Designs and develops Geographic Information System (GIS) technology that links multiple layers of geographic and descriptive information.
Cadalyst: Online edition of the leading publication covering CAD and related CAM/CAE/PLM technologies.
CAD Digest: Online publication that serves as a clearinghouse for the best CAD-related articles, product reviews, tutorials, tips and success stories.
